How are Help-to-Save bonus claims made under Schedule 2 paragraph 18?

Under paragraph 18, Treasury regulations may require that a Help-to-Save bonus is only payable when a formal claim is submitted. The authorised account provider, or a former authorised provider, may be required to submit the bonus claim on behalf of the account holder rather than the individual filing it directly.

What procedural matters can Treasury regulations cover regarding bonus claims?

Treasury regulations may set time limits for claim submission, specify required information and format, establish how HMRC assesses claims, prescribe steps when claims are rejected wholly or partly, confer rights to request a review of rejection, provide a formal appeals process, and allow amendments where errors are found in a claim.

What authority does HMRC have over Help-to-Save bonus claim procedures?

The Treasury may delegate certain procedural decisions to HMRC, authorising it to determine the information required in a claim, the periods to which the claim relates, and the form or manner of submission. This gives HMRC operational flexibility to update administrative requirements without needing new Treasury regulations each time.

What record-keeping and reporting obligations apply to Help-to-Save account providers?

Treasury regulations may require current or former authorised account providers to keep records relating to Help-to-Save accounts and submit information returns to HMRC. The regulations can specify the content, format, coverage period, submission method and deadlines for returns, and HMRC may enquire into or require amendments to submitted returns.

Savings (Government Contributions) Act 2017 section Sch 2 para 18

Claims for bonuses, record-keeping and returns

Schedule 2 paragraph 18 sets out the regulation-making powers available to the Treasury concerning how Help-to-Save bonus claims are made, how those claims are processed, and what record-keeping and reporting obligations apply to account providers.

Bonuses may only be payable if a formal claim is made in accordance with Treasury regulations, and the authorised account provider (current or former) may be required to submit that claim on behalf of the account holder.
Treasury regulations may prescribe detailed rules for bonus claims, including time limits, required information, format, how claims are assessed, what happens if a claim is rejected, rights to review and appeal against rejection, and procedures for correcting errors.
HMRC may be given delegated authority by the Treasury to specify certain procedural details of claims — specifically the information to be included, the periods to which claims relate, and the form or manner in which they must be submitted.
Account providers (including former providers) may be required to keep records relating to Help-to-Save accounts and to submit information returns, with Treasury regulations and HMRC directions governing the content, format, timing and review of those returns.

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